"The moment you fell in love with me, you lost my love..." This line, delivered by Cho Won (played by Bae Yong-joon) to Lady Soo (played by Kim Tae-hee) in the Korean film "Scandal," is considered one of the coldest lines in cinematic history, leaving many movie fans heartbroken. This scene was filmed at the Namsangol Hanok Village, specifically at the traditional Korean house (hanok) of Prince Consort Park Yeong-hyo.
So, what exactly qualifies as a hanok? With this question in mind, I did some research online and found the answer.
A hanok refers to a house built in the traditional Korean architectural style. The characteristics of a hanok are reflected in its layout and structure, which are adapted to the terrain and seasonal climate conditions. This is often described as "backed by mountains and facing water," meaning that hanoks are typically built with mountains behind them and water sources in front. Considering the cold winters and hot summers, hanoks feature ondol (heated floor) systems for warmth and have wide verandas for better ventilation during the summer months. The structures of hanoks vary by region; in the colder northern areas, they are built in a closed square (ㅁ) shape, while in central and warmer southern regions, they take on an 'L' (ㄱ) or straight line (–) shape. Additionally, hanoks are differentiated by social class, with upper-class homes being more elaborate compared to simpler dwellings for the middle and lower classes.